OSCE/ODIHR presents recommendations from final report on presidential election in Kyrgyzstan

A team of election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report of the ODIHR election observation mission for the October 2017 presidential election in Kyrgyzstan during their visit to Bishkek from 26 to 28 November 2018.

The report’s findings and recommendations were discussed during a session of the presidential task force for improving the electoral legislation and practice. The discussion involved representatives of the Presidential Administration, parliamentary committees, the Central Election Commission, the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, the State Registration Service, as well as representatives of civil society.

“We see follow-up as key to exchange views on the current discourse in the area of democratic elections, focusing on ways to improve electoral practices,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “Such a discussion should not be the exclusive competency of the winner or the main parties. It should also involve meaningful consultation with smaller political groups, civil society and other stakeholders, including those at risk of marginalization, such as women, representatives of national minorities or persons with disabilities.”

The ODIHR team expanded on potential areas for further co-operation and concrete steps that can be taken by various electoral stakeholders to address the recommendations.

The experts drew attention to the recommendations aimed at an inclusive and timely electoral reform. This includes effective measures against the misuse of public resources and vote-buying, guaranteeing the right to a free and secret ballot, ensuring greater transparency of campaign finance and adequate legal remedies in defamation cases.

Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, head of the 2017 ODIHR election observation mission, said: “I am happy to observe that Kyrgyzstan has adopted the National Strategy to improve its electoral legislation and practices. An electoral process is a broader issue insofar as it includes all the conditions necessary for an election to be democratic, including respect for all fundamental freedoms. ODIHR stands ready to offer its continued support in implementing the recommendations, including through the review of amendments to electoral legislation.”

The ODIHR team emphasized the importance of addressing recommendations made in its reports well ahead of the next elections. All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly following up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.